Me and the masked mare stared at each other. She couldn’t hide that burn mark that ran across her face and down the cheek. Sanity, Iris and Al Capony gave us confused looks. The mare sighed.

“Fuck…” she said.

“The feeling is mutual, Chain Whip.” I said. The mare arched a brow. The very same pony that was Bud’s little trash talk chain user.

“The fuck are you… That’s not my name.” she said with a low growl. “I’m… oh you know what? Forget it. It shouldn’t even concern you.” I smirked.

“What happened then? I thought you high tailed it out of there after Alicron. I even heard you talking to New Pegas.” I looked her over. She wore a white dress where the skirt draped over on her flank. “I thought you were going full blown mercenary.” Chain Whip snorted.

“Yeah well, mercenary job is for wimps who are homeless and poor. Ponies that follow a blind agenda all for caps.” She said. Wow. I didn’t think she would be so… civilized? What’s the word I’m looking for… ah fuck it.

“So you decided to be a part of the Whitehoof Society? Didn’t go back to The Pride?” I asked. Chain Whip growled as she spoke.

“I was going to. But some idiot blew up the casino where Father Pride spent almost half his time in.” I felt my friends eyes fall on me and I flushed a little. Dammit, I knew that was going to bite me back. I shook it away and was about to speak when Al Capony cut in.

“Yes, well. Nice talk and all. But I do believe my uncle Stiletto is looking for me?” she said. Chain Whip looked Al Capony over before nodding.

“No problem, Al. Stiletto is waiting for you and your…” she looked at me with disgust. I frowned. “Anyway, he’s waiting for you in the casino lobby.” She went back to looking over the ledger in front of her, not even glancing up as we passed. When we entered the velvet curtain entrance that led to the casino, Sanity spoke up.

“You two… have a history or something?” she asked. I sighed, bowed my head and nodded.

“Don’t know if you noticed it, but she has burns on her. Mainly a big one running across her face to her cheek.”

“Let me guess.” Iris said. “You burned her.” I said nothing but nodded. Sanity looked shocked.

“Don’t get the wrong idea. It happened when Din nearly took over for a second time.” I winced at the painful lashes she gave to me back in the sandlot of Stableton. “But she also injured me as well back in Stableton a month ago. She used a chain to do so.”

“Is that why you call her Chain Whip?” Al Capony asked as she looked around. I nodded.

“Don’t really care for her name either. But we are still on bad terms. After Bud and the Alicron incident, she made it a dead sense to one day actually kill me.” I said. Sanity looked disturbed. “She’s more pissed off that I ruined her face.” Al Capony beamed.

“Uncle Stiletto!” she shouted and waved. I looked and saw a white… mare? Or a stallion? Mixed gender? No… my brain tried to process the white pony with an ivory mane in a bun and with pale black lipstick. The pony also wore a stitched suite that had one half tux and the other half a white dress. The mask Stiletto wore wasn’t like the other masks I’ve seen.

“Hello, dearie!” Stiletto said gaily. They hugged before pulling away. Stiletto looked like he… she… whatever Stiletto was really… I’m going with he, since uncle and what not, was on the verge of tears. He brushed Al Capony’s mane with what looked like a recent hooficure and smiled. “Oh, look at you. All grown up.” He pulled out a handkerchief and blew into it. “What happened to the little filly?” Al Capony smiled.

“Don’t worry, uncle. I’m still Alabaster. Oh! I would like to introduce you to the one who helped Bucky with the… you know… problem we had a month ago with Bud.” She said as she motioned to me. Stiletto smiled and looked me over.

“I say, dearie. Why so… dark? I could write you off as an assassin.” He said. I found it hard to reply to the awkward pony. Come on, Courier. This is the head of the Whitehoof Society. At least try not to act like a fool in front of them… I sucked it up and gave Stiletto my best smile I could manage.

“Err… yes well… I’m really not.” I cleared my throat. “I’m really a courier of the Crystal Express.” Stiletto seemed shocked.

“Are you from that quiet little town from the northwestern region?” he asked. I blinked.

“Uh… what quiet town?” I asked. Stiletto looked around before leaning in.

“The one where they say the Savior resides in.” he said. I blinked.

“Pleasant Town?” Stiletto shushed me by putting a hoof to my muzzle. I stiffened slightly.

“Not so loud, dearie.” He said before turning to my friends. “Come. We will talk about it somewhere safer.” Stiletto led us to a corner table booth where two Whitehooves stood on both sides as we sat in. Sanity sat next to me while Iris and Al Capony sat across from us while Stiletto took the middle of the seat. “Now then.” He turned to me. “So you say you are from the Savior’s town?” I looked at Al Capony, who was giving us an amused smile. She wanted this to drag on. Not gonna happen.

“Well, you see ma’a… sir. I am the Savior.” I said. Stiletto arched a brow. Then gave a hearty chuckle. Guess I know where Al Capony got it from.

“And what makes you think you are the Savior?” he asked. I narrowed my eyes.

“Umm… well…” I began. Stiletto motioned at his mane.

“Frankly, dearie, the Savior has fire for a mane and tail. Yours is grey.” I opened my mouth to say something, then closed it. Al Capony looked a little worried at me. Grey? Arching a brow, I lifted my hood up enough to where he could see my mane. Stiletto arched a brow. “Yes, dear. You have a wonderful mane. I swear, I’ve never seen any one with a mane style like that.” He turned to Iris. “Yours is more unique.” Iris flushed and smiled.

“Thank you, Stiletto.” She said. Was I the only one who did feel awkward around him? I looked at Sanity. Even she wasn’t surprised by Stiletto’s looks. I frowned. Dear goddesses, what is wrong with me? I shook away the thought and looked at Stiletto.

“So, Stiletto. You are Al Capony’s favorite uncle I hear.” I said, quickly changing the subject to everypony’s relief. Stiletto beamed.

“Oh yes. Ever since she was a little foal, I’ve watched her when Kingpin was always busy." He puffed his chest out and put a hoof to it. “In fact, I was the only one who had too much free time.”

“I didn’t think a gang head even had free time.” Iris said. Stiletto chuckled.

“Trust me, you won’t believe what I had to do.” He leaned in. “I mainly skipped out on the dreadful boring meetings to spend time with dear Alabaster Mariposa.” He beamed at Al Capony, who smiled. “It saddens me I won’t be able to spend that time again.”

“Uncle, you know I’ll still be around.” Al Capony said with a little hoof wiggle. “It’s not like I’m going anywhere. I have to go around soon and check up on the preparations.” Stiletto clopped his hooves together.

“Yes! Of course! I have my finest bakers working on your cake. Trust me, dearie, it’ll be simply divine!” he said. I sighed. I felt so awkward around Stiletto. I don’t know why, but he kinda gives me the creeps. Though, I couldn’t help but feel a bit saddened at his own condition. The thought of being color blind left me with a chilling sadness towards him. But I can also see why he was also Al Capony’s favorite uncle. Always upbeat, quirky and cool. A perfect uncle. I felt ashamed that I was only feeling awkward because he looked like a he/she.

The horned pony laughed at the gang head, making me pull my hood down to cover my shame.

“I say dearie, don’t you want to come along and see the cake?” Stiletto’s voice broke my train of thought. I looked up to see them already out of the table and looking at me. I smiled and waved at them with a hoof.

“No thanks. I better go check on the others. I don’t want them to get… you know… lost.” I said lamely before quickly trotting away from them. I sighed, feeling my shame increase more. I was judging a pony by looks. I felt awful. When I looked up, I noticed Chain Whip glancing at me. I was about to say something when the door opened and Bucky came in with his boys trailed behind him.

“Hi, Bucky.” I said with a small smile. Bucky looked at me.

“Yes… hello.” He replied, not even bothering to look at me. I blinked. I was expecting his little ring-ding gig speech he always had. When I studied him, he did look a bit… pale and tired.

“Are you okay, Bucky?” I asked.

“I’m perfectly fine. Did you happen to see my fiancée around? There is something I would like to discuss with her.” He said. I arched a brow.

“She’s with Stiletto.” I said. Bucky nodded.

“I see. When you see her, can you tell her to meet me in front of the fountain?” he asked. I nodded as he turned and trotted out. Even his boys looked pale and tired. What’s more, he didn’t even tip his hat. I rubbed the back of my mane before looking back at Chain Whip, who was now no longer behind the counter.

“Is it me or am I starting to think this might not go as planned?” I said to myself quietly.

I found myself walking beside Stiletto, Sanity, Iris and Al Capony down the busy street. While they chatted amongst themselves, I kept a look out from behind them. My brain was giving off all kinds of alerts. But I couldn’t pinpoint which one I wanted to worry about. I eventually ignored them for now before listening in on their conversation.

“…and you think the Fiends took it?” Iris asked. I blinked. When did they start talking about Fiends? Stiletto sighed before nodding.

“Yes. I feel dreadfully awful about it. It was supposed to be hoof made by Equestria’s Sapphire Shores. But when the caravan arrived, they said they were attacked by vicious ponies in animal hide.” He said.

“What got taken?” I asked. My curiosity was peaking.

“Alabaster’s dress!” He said dramatically. “Oh, woe is me. To think, I, would so foolishly have had it ordered, only to have it taken by filthy raiders. It’s a one of a kind dress. Said to be hoof made by Sapphire Shores herself.” I arched a brow. Wasn’t she that swing jazz singer on the radio? I didn’t know she was a fashinista. Then again, Goldenlee is a surgeon with a side hobby for fashion, so I can’t really be all that surprised.

“There, there uncle.” Al Capony said with a reassuring smile and pat on the shoulder. “I don’t mind finding another dress.” Stiletto sighed but smiled at her.

“Yes, I think you are right dearie. I’m getting too old to be running around like some vagabond.” He said.

“Do you know where they could have taken it?” I asked to the surprise of everypony, even myself.

“I’m sorry, dear?” Stiletto asked. I rubbed the back of my head.

“Well… maybe we can get it back from the Fiends. I mean, I am kind of curios about a wedding.” Stiletto looked shocked.

“Don’t tell me you haven’t been to a wedding before?” My look told him otherwise.

“I know. A lost cause.” Al Capony said with a smile. Then she looked sternly at me. “But why on earth do you want to provoke savages just to get a dress back?”

“I’m also dying to find out what these Fiends really are.” I responded. I felt strange. Why did I want to go out and do just that? “We saw the corpses and I’ve been thinking. If these Fiends are a recent group of savages that had appeared because of my doings, then I guess it’s my fault and I have to fix it.” Sanity arched a brow.

“What do you mean your fault?” she asked.

“I inspired gangs and a group of my followers to go out and clean up the roads of raiders. And now Fiends have appeared all because I got a bunch of ponies to go out and clean up the roads.” I frowned. “I guess what I’m saying is, we don’t know what these ponies are capable of and the roads may be in danger again.”

“And you want to stop it.” Iris summed it up. I gave a slight nod. Stiletto smiled.

“I admire your bravery, dear. But I seriously must say that it is a stupid idea to even do so.” He said. Iris smirked and tapped her forehead with her hoof.

“You have no idea what goes on through her head.” She said. I pulled my hood down.

“I’ll get your dress back.” I said. “Might as well do some good while I’m here.” And also test something when I get back too. My brain was still sending me alerts and I was going to see if anything changes while I was gone.

“I’m coming with you.” Iris said. Sanity nodded. I shook my head.

“I want you both to stay here.” I said. Iris blinked.

“I… sorry?” she said. I smiled.

“There is something I am thinking of too, but I need you and everyone to stay behind.” I looked back towards the gate that led out of Las Pegasus. “Trust me. I’m testing a theory and it will only work if you all stay behind. Besides, you can all help with the preparations.” Iris rubbed the back of her head.

“Are you sure? I mean, you said so yourself. We don’t know what these Fiends are capable of.” She said. I trotted over and kissed my silver love before smiling.

“Positive.” Iris gave me a worried look before nodding.

“Alright then. But if you aren’t back within two hours, we are coming to get you. Fiends or not.” She said. I turned to Stiletto.

“Did the caravan say where the Fiends may have taken the dress?” I asked. Stiletto shook his head. He then rubbed his chin.

“Well, ever since they showed up, rumor has it that they have taken refuge in an abandoned stable not too far from here.” He said. I stiffened. A stable? An abandoned stable near Las Pegasus?

“Stable? Do you know the number?” I asked. Stiletto rubbed his chin more.

“Err… sorry dear. I never really had time to ask anypony about a stable. Maybe you can ask Sunny Springs.” He said. Sunny Springs? The armor dealer in Stableton? “I hear her great-great-great-great grandmother came from a stable. She should be by the Cathedral ruins. And do becareful.” I said nothing but nodded as he turned with Al Capony and my friends to walk down the street. I saw Sanity look back at me with worry as I turned.

I couldn’t believe it. There was a stable near Las Pegasus? I felt my heart beat with peak curiosity. I have never really gone into other stables. Well, I never really did explore anywhere only on the occasional package deliveries. I never really did stick around long to bother. I trotted a few blocks before finding myself back in front of the casino I had blown up a month ago. Part of the castle looking building had fallen in. The window shattered and I could faintly see charred rooms. To my surprise however, the casino was still operational. Ponies chatted amongst themselves as they huddled over gamble tables and poker games.

I pulled my hood down and made my way over to the casino. I was relieved when there was no pony to come and take my gear away when I entered the lobby. It seems like The Pride abandoned the place and it was taken up by the locals who just wanted to spend some free time. I smiled when I saw the familiar mare behind the counter with gear displayed behind her.

“Sunny Springs.” I said, catching her attention. Sunny Springs smiled.

“Well, look who it is. You seem intact the last time I saw you. Staying out of trouble I see?” she said. I shook my head.

“Actually, I’m about to get myself into more.” I said. I quickly spoke when she gave me an amused smile. “It’s for a good cause.” Sunny nodded.

“Whatever you say, hun.” She said. Now it was my turn.

“Err… I thought you were still in Stableton.” I said. Sunny nodded.

“I was. Then I heard that Al Capoy is getting married to Bucky from a courier a couple weeks back. Kingpin was sending out invitations and to my surprise, the old buck still remembers me.” She said. Oh right. I forgot she was part of The Family. Well, was. Okay, enough chit chat.

“Sunny, is there by chance a stable that is nearby Las Pegasus?” I asked. Sunny rubbed her chin.

“There is. My great-great-great-great grandmother came from that stable. Stable 10 was one of those fancy ones with an orchard in it. Left completely abandoned now thanks to Mr. House offering a chance for the dwellers to take refuge in the city.” She snickered. “Stable ponies know nothing though. Got tricked into being technicians for his robots.” I was starting to think someone had come up with the “Stable ponies don’t know nothing” joke and making us sound like we were hermits. I felt slightly insulted, but ignored it. “So, why are you asking?”

“Well, ponies believe the Fiends have holed up in that stable.” I said. Sunny looked grim.

“You don’t say. I guess that makes sense.” She arched a brow. “So, you are planning on… what, go in and chase them out?” I gave her a hoof wiggle.

“Depends. I’m more inbetween finding out what they are capable of and a theory. I just came by because Stiletto said that Al Capony’s dress may have been taken from the caravan and you might fill me in.” I said. Sunny’s eyes somewhat widened.

“Oh dear.” She looked grim. “I was in fact there when it happened. It happened in Tipson and I took cover inside a building. I saw them rush the caravan, taking the mares and almost left the stallion for dead as they raided the wagon. I did see one take off with the dress towards south of the town with the others making off with the loot and the mares.” She shuddered. “I won’t rule it out, but I do believe those mares had been harmed for the past week. Maybe even worse.” She looked worriedly at me. “Hun, I don’t know why you want to go after them for a dress.”

“Well, no pony knows what they could do. Someone has to.” I smirked. “Besides, if worse comes to shove, I can bust out of anything. I’m a courier after all.” Sunny sighed.

“Crazy mare. Alright, but if anything happens, don’t expect anyone to come and save you. Fiends are worse than raiders.” She took my hoof with my PipBuck on and pressed a few keys. When she was done, I looked to see a marker on my map. “Around there should be the stable. And here.” She reached under the counter and pulled out health potions and shotgun drums for Courage. I smiled. “Don’t want my favorite customer to die so quickly.”

“Gee, I didn’t think I was being wished so well.” I said with a smirk before stuffing the supplies into my bag.

Exiting the gate, I sighed and ignored the smell of death and decay that littered with the corpses not too far from the city. I looked at my PipBuck and followed the marker. I didn’t think it would be harrowing to reach the stable. I was expecting smooth sailing. Of course, I was also in the Wasteland so I cursed myself when I stumbled into an ant colony. And these weren’t just any ants. These giant ants spewed flames. I shielded my face with my fire proof duster as the flames from one ant reached me. When it stopped, I pulled out Malice and fired it straight into the pincer head of the ant. A few smaller ones began crawling towards me. I entered S.A.T.S. and took down three of them. The other two that were behind them spewed more fire.

I retreated back a bit as I holstered Malice, pulled out Courage and fired. The shotgun made quick work of the ants. I breathed slightly as the last ant fell into a bloody green heap. I checked my EFS to see if anymore were coming. I winced, feeling my legs hurt from some of the ants that had managed to use their pincers on me. I chugged two health potions and felt the irritation fade as I continued to follow the marker. Again, I cursed myself and had to retreat when I found myself being attacked by four ponies that belonged to the Viper gang.

One of the mares whooped as I felt myself jerk and fall to the dirt ground. My side ached when more bullets pelted my barding. I was taking too many hits. The pony on my screen looked worried as it showed my torso had been crippled and my hind legs were on the verge of being crippled. Even star metal bones wouldn’t help me stay together. I slid back behind a small piece of a ruin and chugged a health potion, feeling my torso mend itself from the affects. Shit, at this rate, I might be able to reach the stable but not have any supplies left. I saw the red dots begin to advance on my location.

I pulled out Sinful and Malice, reloading them with fresh clips before conjuring four copies. It they were going to outnumber me, I might as well even the odds a bit. I nodded to them as one peeked out of what was once a window and fired. I heard a scream and a dot from my EFS disappeared. My copies fired one after the other. The copy nearest to me had her face blown off and vanished. I winced again. Goddesses, everypony is hating my head lately. Two more dots vanished. I smiled, rushed out when another copy had been taken out and put Malice up to the head of the gang pony. Her eyes widened. I covered my face with a sleeve and pulled the trigger as the mare’s body crumpled into a bloody heap at my hooves.

I felt strangely satisfied when I began looting the corpses. I know I said I don’t resort to scavenging, but hey, a pony has to learn quickly if she wants to live. And if that meant resorting to scavenging, then so be it. I found myself wondering the ruins of a small ruined town in the outskirts of Las Pegasus. Still following the map marker, I noticed that I wasn’t too far away now. I reloaded my guns while on the way and checked Sinful and Malice. Not much use on them. But I could still see a bit of wear and tear showing. The firepower on these things were too much for anypony to handle unless you are an earth pony. Thankfully, I gotten used to planting my hooves to the ground when using them.

I stopped when I saw a couple of red dots moving around. They looked like they were on the other side of a crumbled building. I crouched low and snuck over to the building. Sticking to the wall, I peeked in through the broken window and to my horror, saw three of the Fiends gathered around a camp fire with what looked like a recently cooked caravan pony. The dead brahmin laid gutted open next to a mangy earth pony. The other two looked like they haven’t even taken baths. Their smell almost made me gag. I held my breath as I listened in to their conversation.

“Hey, quit being a pony hog!” the earth pony growled. The unicorn mare drew out an iron pipe and tapped it against the cooked corpse.

“Quit yappin’. There’s plenty more cooked meat.” She retorted. The mangy earth pony mare chuckled insanely as she ripped out an organ of the dead brahmin with her teeth. Her eyes twitched as she gnawed on it. I felt my potions that I drank earlier come back up. I swallowed it back down and drew out Sinful and Malice. These ponies… are just awful. Sick ponies that needed to be put out of their misery. Taking a deep breath, I rushed around the corner and aimed point blank at the unicorn and the earth pony before pulling the triggers. Their heads exploded into gory giblets. The mangy one turned, laughing as she crouched, ready to pounce. I entered S.A.T.S. when she did and two magnum round from both guns launched the mare over the dead brahmin and out into the street, limbs flying off and away in the process.

Damn, magnums were beasts to bodies. Unfortunately, I stirred up the hornets’ nest. I quickly ducked back behind the building when a nearby group of Fiends opened fired. Time to even the odds. Again, I conjured copies. Eight of them before peeking out of cover and firing on the Fiends. I got grazed a few times and three of my copies went down in bloody messes before vanishing. I came out victorious when we mowed them down. I rushed out of cover to the last two with a copy. They tried to fire, but thanks to the star metal in making me light, I was up on them in a flash. I tackled one, aimed Malice in between the mare’s eyes and pulled the trigger. My copy struggled with the other before she pulled away and fired Sinful point blank in the unicorn’s head.

Fiend blood splattered on my barding. I stumbled, gagging more. Even their insides smelled awful. I canceled my copies before moving on. I stuck to the shadows as I snuck through buildings and rubble, trying my best to avoid conflict with Fiends. The first time made me realize that these Fiends weren’t just normal raiders. They seemed… organized in a sense. Probably not as well, but they communicate with each other as if they are fighting a war. One mystery solved to hundreds of others about this group. To my relief, they were also very stupid. The amount of chems they ingested was just enough to make some OD. In fact, I accidently slid through a building where I thought a Fiend looked at me with mock surprise.

I readied Courage, only to see that the Fiend hadn’t moved. Then, I noticed the empty syringes and chems around her body. So… cannibals, organized, stupid and chem addicts. A step up from raiders. I made a mental note of the organization part before moving on, looting an ammo crate that was next to her. More ammunition for Sinful and Malice, and an apple grenade. I felt myself smiling as I looted. Is this what Wasteland wanderers do for fun? Just explore and loot in death defying situations? I felt kind of envious towards Shining Star now. I rummaged through a metal box, only to frown to see that it was just scrap metal and junk.

“Did you hear something?” a voice said, making me stiffen. Crap, was I too loud in the searching? I glanced around and found an intact dresser against the wall. I smiled at my luck. Karma was once again giving me a break. I quickly took cover inside and peeked out. Two Fiends entered with carbines drawn.

“Hey hey, check it out. Looks like the whore OD’d.” one mare said with a smirk. The other one next to her snorted.

“Fucking bitch. Using up all our chems just for her own use.” The mare took aim and fired at the body. The dead mare’s head exploded. The two laughed. My ears twitched when I heard what sounded like a whooping noise. The two stopped and the mare on the left growled.

“Sounds like Cooker finally caught another caravan.” She said. The other mare smirked more.

“Hot damn! We are gonna be eating good tonight!” she cheered before taking off with the other behind her. I bit my lip. Dammit, to make things worse, another caravan had been attacked. I have to do something… Anything… I blinked and looked at the dead corpse of the mare. I groaned. I wasn’t going to like it, but it was my only hope of actually getting in to the stable. I stripped off my barding and gear, stuffed it in the dresser before quickly going over to the dead mare and stripping her of her barding. I had to make it look real. And I also hoped that no pony would shoot me on the way out when I did. I put on the animal hide and clipped on the small bag, stuffing it with health potions. I wrapped boxing tape around my PipBuck. If anything, it would look like a growth I had gotten. I looked around. I found a neat pile of dirt and rubble. I threw it over me, spreading it over my hide and my mane, making them tuft up. I grit my teeth, trying to make my best Fiend expression.

I slung the poorly conditioned sub-machine gun over and trotted towards the sound of whooping. I felt myself getting nervous, but I sucked it up and continued on. I turned the corner and hesitated when I saw a metal covered pony with a Flamer. He cheered as he spewed the fire over the small crowd of cheering Fiends. Dear goddesses, how many of them are there!? I quietly joined the herd and watched. The pony with the Flamer, Cooker as they call him, stopped and looked over to three shackled mares.

“Lookie what we got here fellas! More cum dumpsters!” he laughed. The Fiends whooped and hollered as the shackled mares shivered in fright. “In fact, I think one of them will be a personal favorite of mine.” He said as he looked to the one in the middle. The blue mare with the sapphire and teal striped mane winced as Cooker brushed the tip of the Flamer under her cheek and trailed it down to her flank.

“Come on, Cooker! You are always calling dibs!” one Fiend shouted.

“Yeah man! Give them to us for a change!” another shouted. Cooker didn’t like that. He quickly jumped down and the front of the crowd backed away as he made a swaying motion to the crowd.

“Are you forgetting who put me in charge of you fuckers? That’s right, Motor Head himself!” He racked the Flamer against his helmeted head before continuing. “So you better fuck on some other mares, cus’ I ain’t giving none of ya’ll any! You hear?” The Fiends grumbled and protested. Cooker laughed manically when he suddenly set ablaze the front row of Fiends. I backed away with a few others as the fire spread out into groups. “You best remember who you are fucking with boys! Good ol’ Cooker will fry you to the bone!” He turned to the two Fiends with the shackled mares. “Take them to the cell, boys. Motor Head will know what to do with them. Though..” He looked at the blue mare, who shrunk back at his look. “I think he won’t mind if I take just one.” He leaned in and the mare retaliated with a good hoof plant to his metal helmeted face. Cooker didn’t seem at all phased as he retorted with a metal head butt to her face. He laughed as the mare, stumbled, whimpered and bled from the muzzle.

“Oh yeah. Feisty. Me like.” The Fiends and Cooker led the mares away from the other burning Fiends. I quickly slithered around the Fiends, avoiding contact with any of the ones on fire. One of the ablazed Fiends fell to my hooves and twitched as her charred flesh reached my nostrils. I wrinkled my muzzle before stepping around her and trailing the Fiends. Thankfully, I could do so being out in the open. My disguise had worked. And the Fiends were stupid enough not to even realize that one of their own was a pony bent on cleaning them out. They eventually led me into a crumbled hotel where a familiar cog like door loomed over them under the building. The faded yellow number labeled it as 10. Cooker pressed a button on the device that opened the door. The door opened with a teeth grinding screech and they entered the stable.

I quickly trailed behind them and slid through as the cog was pushed in closed by an arm. I noticed some of the Fiends were chilling by the door and one was eating away at a corpse of a filly. I felt anger build up in me as the stallion chowed away at the filly’s organs. I held it in as I trotted on by him. To my relief, it seems like the Fiends didn’t care if one of their own was walking around the stable. The interior was almost similar to Stable 50. The only difference was the immense orchard that remained untouched by Fiends. The door was locked. Yet it bugged me too.

It looks like it was recently vandalized by the Fiends. And what’s even stranger were signs of the stables dwellers still amongst the dead corpses. I saw utility suites on skeletal corpses. The more I explored, the more I began to have that nervous feeling that the Fiends had killed the stable’s dwellers. And I felt the anger in me build up more. Oh, these Fiends are going to get it. Din’s rage or Courier’s rage. How about Din’s power mixed with Courier’s rage? I liked that thought. Even the winged pony agreed. I found myself heading down into the stable towards the maintenance level.

Just as I thought. For an abandoned stable, the generators still looked like they were in prime condition. Guess this stable wasn’t as abandoned as most ponies thought. And if there were still signs of stable dwellers, then that means that the Fiends may have been convinced by some to stay around and not be Fiend food. I grit my teeth. If they joined the Fiends, then I am going to flip shit in this place. I bottled up my anger and kept heading towards the generator room. I was stopped by a twitchy and mangy stallion.

“H-hey pal. Got any chems?” he asked as he scratched his side. I frowned.

“Sorry, guy. Get your own chems.” I said. The stallion put his hooves on my barding.

“But I needs the flavors! They make me feel so…” he laughed. “You gotta give me your chems! Give them to me!” he pulled me forward and my reaction was a good swing downwards of my hoof over the stallions head. The stallion fell to the floor and crawled away with a whimper. I growled. I must have made a pretty convincing selfish Fiend as the ones stationed by the doors to the generator room laughed hysterically. Organized, but completely stupid, cannibalistic drug addicts who really don’t care for their own well beings. The door to the generator room opened and in walked Cooker. He cocked his head at me when I looked at him. He then stomped all his hooves and crouched low as if to scare me.

I didn’t react. My anger towards the metal covered pony was coming back up. Again I bottled it up.

“Oooh, not so scared of me?” he said. I said nothing. He then clanged the Flamer against his metal head hard, making me back away slightly. He laughed as he trotted past me. “Bitches are always scared of me.” He then stopped and turned. “You know… you don’t look that bad. Are you new?” I nodded. I couldn’t see under that metal helmet, but I could believe he was smirking. “Well, I’ll be damned. Welcome to the Fiends, new blood. Just one rule. Don’t fuck with me or Motor Head and we cool.” He spewed the fire from the Flamer over me before laughing, turning and trotting down the hall. I snorted.

'You’ll get yours soon enough hot shot.' I turned and looked at the generator room. I was about to open the door when one of the Fiends put a hoof on my shoulder.

“The fuck do you think you are doing bitch?” the mare growled. “Didn’t you hear Cooker? Now beat it.” I kept a straight face as I spoke.

“I have chems on me that I think Motor Head will enjoy.” I smirked. “And no, you ain’t getting any.” The mare arched a brow.

“Chems? For Motor Head?” she glanced at the one on the other side of the door. “Show me the chems.” I opened the little pouch strapped to the belt of my temporary barding and pulled out the Med-X, Hydra and Buff that I hadn’t realized were really in there. I winged it, even though I didn’t realize that there was chems inside anyway. The mare blinked.

“Hydra? Shit man, you can only find that in Hoofington.” She looked around before leaning in. “Got any more?” I rubbed my chin.

“Nope. But I’ll see if I can convince Motor Head to spare some.” I said. The mare grinned before motioning.

“Fine.” I opened the door and found myself in a dimly lit room. When the door closed behind me, the generators on both sides hummed to life, electricity trailing to the wires. One wire sparked and it rained down over a small make shift throne stood with a brahmin skull covered head of a pony sitting on the throne. Two beaten looking mares were on both sides of the throne. From the looks of them, they had been violated multiple times. I glared at the Fiend leader as he shifted.

“The fuck are you doing here?” he boomed.

“I’m a con. I have chems you might be interested in.” I said. Motor Head perked up.

“Well, wasn’t expecting a delivery so soon.” He said. I frowned.

“But first things first. What happened to this place?” I asked. Motor Head sighed.

“Guess it’s no secret huh? Yeah, we killed the ponies that were in here.” He chuckled. “They were stupid enough to trust us. They let us in no problem. And now.” He motioned around him. “I’m king of this joint.” He suddenly motioned for the mare on his right and pointed at his stick that was now erecting. I winced when the mare bent down and began giving him head right then and there as he continued to speak. “So. What chems did you bring the good king Motor Head?” he said. I walked over to him and opened the pouch, ignoring the mare that was moving her head in between his legs. I pulled out the Hydra and Motor Head chuckled in delight at the drug. The mare suddenly gagged and spat out white milky fluid, coughing.

“Wipe your fucking mouth, whore.” He growled. The mare said nothing, looking ashamed as she wiped her muzzle and quietly went back to his side. If he pulls another thing like that again, I was going to end him right there. You know what? Fuck it. I’ll do it anyway. As I levitated the Hydra up for Motor Head to see, I turned the needle and jabbed it into the socket of the brahmin skull. He reeled back off of his throne and stumbled past me, falling to the floor and screaming in pain. I showed no remorse as I walked towards him, taking out a Med-X syringe. Motor Head stood up and pulled out a chainsaw that was on his back. I didn’t give him time to rev it for I quickly reared back and planted a good one to his skull head. Motor Head dropped the chainsaw and slammed into the door.

“You think you can get away with acts like that?” I said coldly. “I don’t condone such vile acts. The Fiends end here and now.” I jabbed the Med-X syringe into his neck. I saw him shudder in delight as the drug coursed through. Good, I wanted him alive for when he feels his own weapon slice through him. I picked up the chainsaw with my magic, revved it and jabbed it into his chest. He screamed as the chainsaw cut into his hide and blood splattered the walls. I heard Din cackling as I felt my magic being strengthened by the star metal. I lifted the pony up and he slid down as the chainsaw continued to cut away at him. When his body went limp, I swiped the chainsaw and he slid across the floor towards his throne, gurgling.

The mares looked frightened.

“Wait five minutes before heading out. I’ve got some Fiends to mutilate.” I said, feeling a sense of satisfaction at the thought. I turned, chainsaw still revving as I exited the room. The two Fiends by the door looked confused. Without giving them time to react, I grabbed the one on my right, spun and shoved her into the other before jabbing the chainsaw through the two. They screamed as the chainsaw tore away at their flesh.

“What the hell is goin-.” I looked over my shoulder to see a Fiend look startled towards me. He raised his sawed-off shotgun and I entered S.A.T.S. I fired an entire clip of sub-machine gun ammo into his head. To my disappointment, the gun was in such a bad shape that the Fiend managed to duck back with a still intact head. I conjured three copies, each with their own chainsaw.

“Go nuts.” I said to them. They smirked before taking off. I heard the unfortunate pony scream as the chainsaw revved. I looked back, seeing the two I had cut into being limp. I pulled up the chainsaw, seeing their bodies split before turning and joining the chaos with my copies. I never felt such satisfaction and excitement flow through me. This was nothing like when the Cacophony had taken my town. It was pure strategy there. But with these Fiends. No, they were too hooked up on drugs that some were slow to react and some even continued to feel their deaths as we sawed them limb from limb.

I laughed when I cornered one of the Fiends. I revved the chainsaw twice before cutting into the chest of the pony. The grey metal halls of the stable were soon covered in the blood of the Fiends. I walked with my three copies towards the atrium. I saw a cage when I entered with my copies. The ponies inside looked startled as they saw me. I looked away from the cage and spotted two Fiends looking at me with confusion. I grinned, chuckling a little insanely and revved the chainsaw.

“What the fuck is wrong with you!?” one of the Fiends shouted as I rushed forward and swung at them. One was smart enough to duck, The other had his head flying right off.

“What’s wrong with me?” I said as I took an intimidating step forward. “Now that’s the ironic question isn’t it?” This wasn’t Din talking. This was all me. Pure one hundred percent Courier. I was also having flashbacks of the painful memories of me and my mom being raped. Well, this filly was a grown mare now. And can be one merciless pony when provoked. And what these Fiends were doing, let alone to insult stable ponies for letting them in, was crossing the line for me. I was about to bring down the chainsaw when another Fiend rushed in with a Flamer. It wasn’t Cooker.

“Burn bitch burn!” she laughed as the Flamer spewed towards me. I had forgotten I wasn’t in my fire proof barding when I reacted by putting a hoof up. I screamed and backed away as my skin and flesh seared. I growled and revved the chainsaw. My copies flanked the mare, making her turn her back on me. I grinned and sliced the tank where the gasoline laid dormant. When the mare pulled the trigger on the Flamer, she was suddenly engulfed in flames, catching one of my copies on fire too. I backed away as she flailed and fell to the floor. My copy vanished into dust. I breathed heavily, taking a health potion and chugging it, feeling the irritation of the burns fade before turning to the caged ponies.

They were all mares. Some looking beaten, some had looked like they have been violated multiple times. The three recent ones were also in the cage, thankfully with only scratches from when there caravan was attacked. They cowered to the back of the cage when I looked at them. I said nothing as I went through the corpses. I found that the Flamer mare had the key to the cage on her and tossed it to them through the bars.

“Wait five minutes before leaving. I’ve got bone and flesh to pick with these Fiends.” I said before turning and heading towards the stairs that led to the second floor of the atrium.

“Wait!” a voice said. I stopped and looked back. A small beaten yellow filly with a pink mane looked at me. She reached back into her utility stable suite and pulled out a disk. I blinked and took it in my magic. “It’s the password to get into the Overmare’s office. I took it off of one of them.” I smiled.

“Thanks.” I unwrapped my PipBuck leg and downloaded the password.

“Are you... here to help us?” she asked. I nodded.

“These ponies deserve the punishment I’m going to bring down on them.” I said. The filly smiled.

“See? I told you somepony was going to save us!” she said to one of the caged ponies. The stallion looked frightened.

“H-how can we trust you? Aren’t you a Fiend yourself?” a mare asked weakly. I shook my head.

“I’m really a courier in disguise. I’m Courier Sixteen of the Crystal Express.” I said. The ponies gasped and murmured. My ears twitched when I heard “Savior” from a few of them. “Listen, there are still more of them and I’m going to cut each and everyone of them down. So until then, I want you all to wait five minutes before exiting. I want to make sure you all get out unharmed.” I saw the relief in their eyes.

I turned and trotted with my copies. Time to take out Cooker. I galloped to the entrance of the stable. I pulled the lever and the teeth grinding screech of the cog like door was pulled open by an arm and turned, leading to the outside. I frowned, seeing two Fiends leading another group of ponies into the stable. When they saw me, they instantly drew up their weapons and began firing. I winced, feeling some of the bullets pelt my leg and sides. A copy rushed forward, chainsaw revving and decapitated one of the Fiends. The other fired on the copy. It vanished and the last two I had with me tackled her, taking the sub-machine gun from their back, aimed and fired into the skull. I stumbled forward, feeling the pain course through my body.

I cursed quietly to myself, seeing that I was out of health potions. I looked around and saw a med-kit on the wall. Ignoring the frightened looks, I stumbled over and opened the yellow box with the butterflies on it. I grit my teeth, seeing that there was no health potions, but only medical bandages. Using my magic, I unwrapped the bandages and patched myself up. I had to ditch the Fiend outfit to get at my sides. Exposed with no protection and only a chainsaw and a poorly conditioned sub-machine gun at my disposal, I made a mental note of retrieving my gear from the dresser before taking on Cooker. I looked to the shackled ponies.

“Stay here. I’ve got Fiends to kill.” I said in a small painful breath. They flinched as I walked past them. I must have looked like a mess. I could imagine myself just caked with Fiend gore and blood. I felt the magic bandages slowly ease the pains in my legs and sides before crouching low and making my way back through Fiend territory to retrieve my gear. Thankfully, I didn’t have too much trouble making my way back. Cooker cleared up most of the Fiends outside. Cooker maybe insane, but he was stupid enough to give me an edge. I opened the dresser quickly and threw my gear over me. I frowned, seeing that my duster had tears and bullet holes in it. But I had no time to worry about protection now. I aimed to take these Fiends out, one way or the other.

I checked my EFS, seeing faint red dots to the side of me. I bet my caps that Cooker was one of those dots. Still holding the chainsaw in my magic, I nodded to my two copies I kept with me before sneaking my way towards them. When I reached a ruined building, I took cover behind a pillar and peeked out, seeing Fiends trotting about camp fires and helping themselves to a dead pony. My anger still hasn’t subsided. I reached with my magic into my bag and pulled out the grenade. Pulling the stem, I heaved it straight in-between a group of them.

“Huh?” one Fiend arched a brow. That was all he could manage before the apple exploded and the shrap metal tore away the flesh and limbs of the gathered ponies. Nearby Fiends instantly brought out their weapons and scanned the area. I thought about conjuring all eleven copies, but I shook away the thought. I had to conserve my magic. As much as the star metal boosted my magic, it wouldn’t give me an infinite supply of it. Magic always had its’ limits. And the previous copies I had conjured had gotten to me somewhat. I dropped the chainsaw and pulled out Courage from my back.

I was about to rush out of cover, guns blazing, when I hesitated. I saw that the Fiends had increased their masses in the groups. There are way too many for me to handle. And if I took any more hits, I won’t last long enough to actually kill Cooker. Come on, Courier… think! I have to have something that could help. I rummaged through my pack and blinked, seeing a strange grenade. Then, I remembered. I had picked up this grenade in the Nuka-Cola factory. I squeed, pulling out the Nuka-Grenade and smirked. What luck! Time to see the damage this thing could do.

I pulled the pin and heaved it straight and true in the middle of the Fiends. One shouted in alarm. Then, the explosion went off before anypony could react. I had to duck back when I felt the earth rumble and a loud explosion sounded. I peeked out and saw fire spreading across the mutilated corpses of the Fiends. I gapped. What in Celestia’s name was the company thinking of making such a thing? My PipBuck clicked at the minor radiation that the grenade left in its’ wake. I checked my EFS. No more red dots. Except for the one that had suddenly appeared into view. I looked up and saw Cooker coming out of the ruined building.

I felt my anger boil now. He was a pony that shouldn’t even exist. But here he was, being the terror of everypony. I stepped out of my cover and out into the street. The radiation was gone now as quickly as it had appeared. Cooker chuckled loudly.

“Well damn. You certainly know how to clear a room.” He pulled up a chair and sat down in it. “Now, ain’t you the one Fiend that punched ol’ twitchy?” I said nothing. He nodded. “I see. Well, I have to applaud you.” He clopped his hooves together. “And let me guess. You killed Motor Head too? Saved the ponies?” he laughed. “The big shot hero of the Wasteland! That’s right everypony, we have the lone hero that will go down in history as the mass murderer of hundreds of normal ponies.”

“I don’t condone the acts you and your group committed.” I said coldly. Cooker nodded.

“I understand. Truly, I do. But kid, you have to understand.” He spread out his forehooves and motioned around us. “This is the city of sin. Viva Las Pegasus. You can’t really blame us for abiding a law that years ago this city had survived on. Lust, greed, pride and sloth.” I shook my head.

“Las Pegasus is a city of sin, yes. But that’s were your logic ends up being wrong altogether.” I aimed Courage at him. “I’m not the law and Las Pegasus is a city that has standards. You Fiends just completely ignore it for your selfish gain. And if I hadn’t known, I bet you were planning on taking over the city, but had been stopped by Mr. House.” Cooker rubbed his chin.

“Well, ain’t you a smart pony. And we would have too if Mr. House hadn’t upgraded his damn robots.” He shrugged. “But hey, at least we got mares to fuck and caravans to raid.” I fired off a shot over his head.

“You are nothing more than raiders. This is where you die and everypony can be safe.” I said. Cooker laughed as he stood up and kicked the chair from under him.

“Maybe you ain’t so smart after all. Do you know who the fuck you are dealing with here?” Cooker reached back and clamped the Flamer over his leg. “You know what they say. Can’t stand the heat? Get out of the kitchen!” he laughed maniacally as he aimed the Flamer. I quickly hopped away twice as the flames reached where I had stood seconds ago. The Flamer must be in good condition. The reach was crazy! My two copies I had hid behind the pillars rushed out and flanked him. To my utter annoyance, he kept the Flamer active and spun wildly around, catching my copies on fire. One fell to the ground and vanished into dust while the other backed away, managing only burn marks before firing Courage at the Fiend.

The bullets didn’t even dent his armor.

“Wooooo-hoooo!” he whopped as he aimed the Flamer and the weapon spat balls of fire at me and my copy. I felt myself being blasted off of the ground and slid away. My copy wasn’t so lucky. Her limbs flew into fiery heaps before vanishing. That was it, no more copies for me. I had to use the rest of what I can on my own. I quickly scrambled to my feet and entered S.A.T.S. I aimed at his weapon. I only managed to get two shots on it before I had to retreat back. He moved slowly towards me, making me back away. I felt Din laugh in my head as the fire danced in front of me.

No, I won’t use her. I can do this on my own. I won’t need her powers for this. Cooker laughed more as he stopped and fired the weapon into medium sized balls. I was once again blasted off of my hooves. I felt the burn and screamed in pain when I felt something stab into my left hind leg. I looked to see a rebar penetrating through my flesh. I tried pulling it out, but the rest of the rebar was buried into rubble. When I moved my hind leg, I felt more pain course through me. Cooker whooped again and began making his way towards me.

“That’s right, girl! Cooker heating up your day!” he stood over me and with the Flamer, swung the nozzle across my cheek. I spat out blood, feeling the daze after. He leaned in, his maniac looking eyes staring into mine. “You know, you might be my new favorite.” He trailed the nozzle of the Flamer across my cheek and down to my flank. He moved my tail away and laughed more. “This is going to be fun.” I grit my teeth. No you fucking won’t. I looked to see the chainsaw I had dropped. I smirked and looked to the Fiend as he messed with his stick, getting it ready. Disgusting fuck. I won’t let it come to that.

I glared at the Fiend when he finally got it fully erected. When he took a step towards me, I quickly revved the chainsaw and brought it flying towards him. He yelped in surprise when the chainsaw sparked off of his armor. I bit my lip. Dammit, I couldn’t reach. I looked at the rebar. My only chance to avoid another rape. I used the chainsaw, seeing the sparks and began cutting through the rebar slowly. Cooker laughed as he pulled the trigger on his Flamer.

“I love it when they are feisty!” he said. He stepped forward again, his stick fully erect and waiting. I roared in anger when he got close. The rebar flew into the air. I caught it with my magic, aimed it at the Fiend and speared it into the exposed face of his helmet. He backed away, the rebar now stuck inside his head. He just laughed. “Such pain… Oh damn it feels good!”

“Sick fuck!” I shouted, freeing my hind leg, revving the chainsaw and swung at him. The chainsaw sparked off of his armor again and he reared back. He wanted to headbutt me, but I smirked triumphantly. Not only did he give me an edge, he completely exposed a tender spot that was still fully erect. I quickly brought the chainsaw down on it and it went through like a hot knife through butter. He screamed, stumbling back with his blood leaving a trail in the process. I limped towards him, chuckling to myself.

“What’s the matter, hot shot? Thought you could be that badass psycho? Thought you had it all?” I leered. “Raiders and Fiends be damned to walk this earth again.” I dragged the revving chainsaw behind me in my magic, the sparks flying as I did. Cooker brought up his Flamer and fired it off. I strafed the flames and rushed forward. I swung the chainsaw, cutting the gas pack on his back. Cooker was quickly engulfed in flames. I turned and stiffened. He wasn’t flailing in agony. He wasn’t screaming in pain. He was laughing. Laughing insanely as the flames covered him.

“Well damn.” He said, chuckling as he stumbled towards me. “At least I died horny.” Then, his body crumpled to the ground. I dropped the chainsaw and sat on my rump. I was tired, beaten and drained of magic. I checked my EFS. No more red dots. I checked the time. It was nearly in the afternoon. I had been gone for a few hours from the city. I hope Iris and my friends hadn’t gone out looking for me. I wouldn’t be surprised if they did. I stood up shakily and made my way back to the stable. There was still something I had to get before I left.

I limped around the corner and saw the ponies I had freed gathered at the front. When they saw me, they looked startled. I smiled and gave them a weak wave.

“No more Fiends.” I rasped. The small yellow filly galloped over to me and smiled.

“I knew you would save us, Savior!” she said and hugged my bandaged leg. I winced, feeling the pain shoot through me. But I smiled and patted her mane.

“Sorry if I was late.” I said, not really sure why I said it. “I’ve just been busy with other things.” The other ponies looked at me, unsure of how to approach me. I sighed. “There should be no more Fiends. I took care of the major ones and as many as I could. There is a path you can take to go around the territory and back to Las Pegasus. You’ll be safe there.”

“What about you?” one mare asked. It was the one that had been shamed by Motor Head. I looked over to the stable.

“There’s something I need to find. And I’m not leaving without it.” I said as I limped over to the opened stable. I entered and made my way back to the atrium. If I was a Fiend and wanted to stock my pillaged gear and loot, where would I take them? Two options. The Overmare’s office or the weapons locker. I’ll start with the Ovaremare’s office. The colorful insults towards the RCE and Las Pegasus were clearly painted on the walls as I limped towards the door that led to the Overmare’s office.

I activated the terminal and entered the password. The door hissed open and when I looked in, I felt my claustrophobia kick in. The room was packed tight with looted equipment and gear from caravans. I took a deep breath, calming my panicked heart before squeezing in. Dress… dress… it had to be one of a kind. A Sapphire Shores design. I did find a white wedding dress, but I arched a brow and saw it labeled as a Rarity design. Maybe there was another dress? I looked around, straining my eyes to see if there was another white wedding dress. I sighed when I found nothing.

“Well, what if it is the dress?” I asked myself. It could be… I shrugged, folding the dress and stuffing it into my pack. If it wasn’t, then I could say that this adventure wasn’t a total waste. I saved good ponies and slaughtered bad ones. I limped and made my way out when I was stopped by a blue mare with a sapphire and teal striped mane looking at me. The earth pony frowned.

“I hope you hadn’t scavenged our stuff.” She said. I shook my head and pulled out the dress.

“I really came for this.” the mare arched a brow and I gave her a sheepish smile. “Annnd maybe test a theory.” I rubbed my chin. “And see what Fiends were capable of.” The mare looked baffled.

“So… you aren’t a wasteland wanderer donning the Savior’s title?” she asked. I cocked my head.

“I’m not a filthy scavenger if that is what you are asking. And I am the Savior.” I said as I motioned at my mane. Apparently, my mane was what truly gave me away as the Savior. And the mare gasped and looked star struck.

“Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!” she said. I stuffed the folded wedding dress back in before limping past her.

“If you want to grab your stuff, then go right ahead. I have no interest… wait.” My curiosity peaked again. It wasn’t everyday you go into a stable that isn’t your own. I rubbed my chin before limping quickly back in and digging through the piles of looted gear.

“I err.. thought you weren’t a scavenger?” the mare said with confusion. I smiled.

“I’m not. I’m just curious about one thing. Aha!” I finally found the terminal that was buried underneath a crate. I typed in the password and scrolled through the files. One caught my attention.

>Attention personal. We have ponies at the front of the stable. Let’s all give them a big welcome as we make our first steps out into the world. – Overmare

I frowned. And that must be when the Fiends came in and murdered everyone. Or… did they? First steps out into the world? Didn’t Sunny Springs say that her great-great-great-great grandmother come from this stable? Then, that would mean two things. She was either kicked out of the stable or left on her own. My guess is the latter. I checked the date. This was three weeks ago! I bit my lip.

“This stable… it has an orchard.” I said out loud. The mare arched a brow.

“I… think so? Why?” she asked. I said nothing and quickly limped past her and down into the atrium, ignoring the mare's surprise. Three weeks and an orchard. That must mean that some of these stable dwellers were alive. I passed the same skeletal pony with the Stable 10 utility suite. That was only one. As I got closer to the orchard, I began seeing more and more of the stable dweller corpses. A pile of skeletons littered the front of the door to the orchard. I felt my heart beat. So many thoughts and questions went through my head. I wanted to meet another stable’s own ponies. I found the door to be locked. Just as I thought.

They didn’t want the Fiends to come in and take the orchard for themselves. I took out my screwdriver and a bobby pin. Fiddling with the lock a bit, I went through five bobby pins before the door clicked open with a hiss. I instantly felt a pain in my chest as I stumbled back. I looked down to see that I had been hit with shotgun slugs. Yet, I was still breathing thankfully. But it hurt like hell. I gasped for breath and looked up to see a terrified lavender mare with a white mane and other ponies behind her.

“Overmare, what the hell! She isn’t one of them!” I heard a pony shout.

“What makes you so sure she isn’t?” another voice retorted. I felt my lips press against a health potion. I chugged it greedily and felt my chest mend and some of the previous injures heal as well. I breathed and looked at them. I couldn’t believe it. Other stable ponies! And ones that weren’t strictly courier oriented. The Overmare shook as she shakily aimed the shotgun at me. It was in poor condition. The mare next to me suddenly gasped.

“Oh goddesses. She’s from a stable!”

Footnote: Max Level!

Author's Notes:

The Wasteland is indeed a cruel place. Anrachy is most certainly a thing that can be found if you jsut manage to look in the right place. But then again, you would have to be in the right place at the wrong time.

On a side note. This is going to be a four part arc that is being heavily revised. Expect the next part to be uploaded in at least two to three days.